KUALA LUMPUR – Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has suggested tightening Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) in the coming months following China’s move to reopen its borders and allow mass travel.
Urging Malaysians not to let their guard down, Rafizi also encouraged mask-wearing and handwashing practices to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“The best I could suggest to the people is not to take the matter lightly, even if there is no new evidence yet of a new Covid-19 strain. This is not just a practice in Malaysia but globally as well.”
“We have gone through the movement control order (MCO) era, and we are already accustomed to the practices to deal with a possible new wave of Covid-19.
“It is not just a matter of Chinese nationals entering the country, but generally we have to be cautious and revert to these practices,'” he said.
Rafizi said this to reporters after attending a Kenduri Rakyat (People’s Feast) event in Pandan Indah, here, this afternoon.
Rafizi then suggested that face masks should be worn at large social gatherings.
However, Rafizi said the country is “not starting from zero” in its efforts to curb the spread of the pandemic.
The Pandan MP said the Health Ministry has enacted several measures, including walk-in vaccination booster shots, among other pandemic prevention efforts.
“Any recommendations by the Health Ministry should be followed closely, as we have done over the past two years,” he said.
Previously, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Malaysia will see a surge in the demand for flights following the reopening of China’s borders, adding that an increase in air traffic movement between both countries next year was expected.
Following this, the Health Ministry has introduced several Covid-19 prevention measures such as testing sewage on aircraft inbound from China to detect the virus.
As for travellers, those arriving from China at international ports of entry will be screened for fever and asked to self-declare any symptoms.
Those with symptoms will be referred to quarantine centres or a health facility for further examination and Covid-19 testing. – The Vibes, December 31, 2022
